Nelson Mandela vs Singing Frogs
Two box office surprises this weekend. After three weeks of release, Blind Side makes it to number 1, and Brothers beats Armored. Are people actually into drama?
And, yes, Princess and the Frog goes wide this weekend, but I done wrote about that when it went limited.
12/11
Wide
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
True story of how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) tried to unite his country after becoming president by convincing a rugby player (Matt Damon) to lead his team to try to win the World Cup for South Africa.
WILL IT SUCK?
Clint Eastwood directs (and won an NBR award for his trouble), so you’re in good hands. From the writer of Don’t Say a Word, so I’m a little nervous (especially because he also wrote Sherlock Holmes). Can’t complain about the cast, tho (Freeman co-won Best Actor from NBR – w/ George Clooney). Early buzz is good.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
With Princess and the Frog opening wide this week after its earlier limited run, don’t know that there’s room for a movie that on any other day would be a limited release. On the other hand, it’s hard to bet against Eastwood when he’s got stars. $75mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Would have to actively suck to not make the shortlist for Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor (depending on how Freeman and Damon divvy it up) and Adapted Screenplay.
Limited
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
A murdered young girl watches life unfold without her.
WILL IT SUCK?
My faith in Peter Jackson is pretty unwavering. Co-writing again with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, adapting the best-selling novel by Alice Sebold. I’ll be honest, the move from Ryan Gosling to Mark Wahlberg was a bit of a letdown, although it’s not like after The Departed I don’t think the man can act. Rest of the cast is strong, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon, Saoirse Ronan, and Michael Imperioli. And original music by Brian Eno (!?)
Early buzz is mixed with passionate proponents and detractors.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
Gonna go wide the following week a few days before Avatar comes out. Yeah, we won’t be hearing from this movie again. $51mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Even with mixed reviews it’s got a shot. Look at all the majors to be in play: Picture, Director, Screenplay, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, maybe even FX.
WHAT’S THE PITCH?
A day in the 1960’s Los Angeles life of an English professor (Colin Firth) who’s just lost his male lover.
WILL IT SUCK?
The writing/directing debut of designer Tom Ford, who took home the Queer Lion (awarded to best GLBT-themed film) at Venice. Colin Firth also took home an award from that fest, Best Actor, which he also won at Santa Barbara.
Good casting doesn’t end there. We’ve got Julianne Moore, Ginnifer Goodwin, Nicholas Hoult (all grown up from About a Boy), Matthew Goode, Lee Pace, and the uncredited voice of Jon Hamm.
Early buzz is outstanding.
HOW WELL WILL IT DO?
This is where the art house competition gets thick. $7mil.
WILL ANYBODY REMEMBER IT AT OSCAR TIME?
Biggest buzz is for Firth, but look for Moore to make a run for Best Supporting Actress. Maybe some love Ford’s way if the stars align.
Next Week: I don’t know if you’ve heard about it because they’ve been pretty coy, but apparently, and don’t quote me on this, James Cameron made another movie.
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